KatlegoM – Developer and UI/UX Designer

Introduction

.NET Multi-platform App UI (.NET MAUI) is a powerful cross-platform framework for building native applications for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows using a single codebase. As we enter 2025, .NET MAUI continues to evolve, providing developers with enhanced tools, performance optimizations, and better integration with modern development workflows.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know to start developing with .NET MAUI, from installation to building your first app and best practices.

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Why Choose .NET MAUI in 2025?

.NET MAUI stands out as a leading framework for cross-platform development due to its:

• Unified Codebase: Write once and deploy across multiple platforms.
• Native Performance: Delivers native UI and performance for each platform.
• MVU & MVVM Support: Supports multiple architectural patterns.
• Seamless Integration: Works well with existing .NET libraries and services.
• Frequent Updates: Backed by Microsoft with continuous improvements.

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Setting Up Your .NET MAUI Development Environment

1. Install .NET SDK

Ensure you have the latest .NET SDK installed. As of 2025, you can download the latest version from Microsoft’s official .NET website.

# Verify .NET version
dotnet --version

2. Install Visual Studio 2025

Download and install Visual Studio 2025 with the .NET MAUI workload.

Steps:

1. Open Visual Studio Installer.
2. Select .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI).
3. Install the required dependencies.

3. Set Up Emulators & Devices

• Android: Install Android SDKs and configure an emulator.
• iOS/macOS: Use Xcode (Mac) or connect to a Mac for development.
• Windows: Enable Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) if testing mobile UI.

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Creating Your First .NET MAUI App

Step 1: Create a New MAUI Project

Open a terminal and run:

dotnet new maui -n MyFirstMauiApp

Or use Visual Studio:

1. Select Create a new project.
2. Choose .NET MAUI App.
3. Name your project and configure settings.

Step 2: Understand Project Structure

.NET MAUI projects contain:

• MainPage.xaml – Defines UI structure.
• App.xaml.cs – Handles app lifecycle.
• Platforms folder – Platform-specific code.
• Resources folder – Stores images, fonts, and styles.

Step 3: Run the App

Use the following command to test your app:

dotnet build

Then, deploy it:

dotnet maui run android  # or 'ios', 'windows', 'macos'

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Essential .NET MAUI Features in 2025

1. Hot Reload

Modify UI and logic while the app is running without restarting the application.

2. Graphics & Animations

Use Microsoft.Maui.Graphics for rich animations and custom drawings.

3. Dependency Injection (DI)

Leverage built-in DI for scalable architecture:

builder.Services.AddSingleton<MainViewModel>();

4. Cross-Platform API Access

Access device features like sensors, GPS, and file system through Microsoft.Maui.Essentials.

var location = await Geolocation.GetLastKnownLocationAsync();

5. Blazor Hybrid Apps

Use Blazor components inside .NET MAUI apps for a web-native experience.

<BlazorWebView HostPage="wwwroot/index.html" />

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Best Practices for .NET MAUI Development

✅ Use MVVM or MVU Architecture

• Separate UI from business logic.
• Use CommunityToolkit.Mvvm for simplified MVVM implementation.

✅ Optimize for Performance

• Minimize unnecessary re-renders.
• Use Async/Await properly to avoid UI freezing.
• Load resources efficiently.

✅ Implement Proper Navigation

Utilize the built-in Shell navigation system:

await Shell.Current.GoToAsync("//DetailsPage");

✅ Use CI/CD Pipelines

• Automate builds using GitHub Actions or Azure DevOps.
• Leverage App Center for deployment and monitoring.

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Future of .NET MAUI Beyond 2025

• AI-Powered UI Components: Predictive layouts based on user behavior.
• Better WebAssembly Integration: Run MAUI apps fully in the browser.
• Enhanced AR/VR Support: Mixed reality capabilities for immersive experiences.

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Conclusion

.NET MAUI continues to be a game-changer in 2025, allowing developers to build seamless, high-performance cross-platform apps with a single codebase. With the right tools, best practices, and continuous learning, you can create powerful applications that run on multiple devices effortlessly.

🚀 Start your .NET MAUI journey today and explore the limitless possibilities of cross-platform development!